Church Bells to Toll, Masses to be Held, Catholic Schools to Close on Funeral Day
Shillong, April 21: As the global Catholic community grieves the passing of Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, has released a set of directives to be observed by churches and institutions under the Archdiocese in tribute to the late pontiff.
In a pastoral message issued on Monday, Archbishop Lyngdoh called upon all priests, religious brothers and sisters to honor the Holy Father with dignity and reverence during this solemn period.
To mark the mourning, church bells will ring across all parishes this evening. Churches and religious institutions are also encouraged to display a portrait of Pope Francis as a symbol of love and remembrance.
The Archbishop instructed that special Masses be offered in every parish and institution for the repose of the Pope’s soul. He reminded the clergy that during sede vacante—the time when the papal seat is vacant—the Pope’s name is omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer, with only the name of the local bishop included. This liturgical norm will remain until the installation of the next Pope.
Prayers for the Holy Father are to be added to the Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses, and all forms of celebration or festive events are to be avoided during the mourning period as a sign of solemn respect.
Additionally, all Catholic educational institutions under the Archdiocese will remain closed on the day of Pope Francis’s funeral. Schools have been directed to notify the Education Department in advance.
To unite the faithful in prayer, a special Requiem Mass will be held at the Cathedral Church in Shillong on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 PM. Archbishop Lyngdoh has invited all priests, religious members, and lay faithful to attend and join in praying for the eternal rest of Pope Francis.
